Master League starts season forty-one

The other Bush was president, cell phones where the size of a two-liter bottle of Pepsi, and our Arizona American Idol was not even a year old. It was that long ago that the Men's Masters League was started.

As season forty-one starts June 4th, we have great things to look forward to. We lost one of our long time players, Chicago Bob; he is still alive, but in Montana . We gained one of our original captains back who has been gone for 15 seasons, John Gray. And some veterans have returned from their time away from the league. Bob Christman, Tom Hicks and Rick Breckinfelder return to the league, making it a very strong field.

At press time, Bob's Bashers (captained by Bob Castillo) was the odds-on favorite, with Marty's Mashers close behind; but never count out teams captained by Jimmy Damore and John Gray, as they can elevate their squads. Tom McCartney has a couple players from his championship squads, but a lot has changed. Rik Scherbing has the experience, and if they return to form, the group could run away with the title. Kix Alcala and Rick Schoen have formidable teams that you can't overlook or they will sneak up on you.

Players to watch include Robert Cisneros, who dominated the Bs last season and is back where he belongs. Gary Erwin is the lone rookie who jumps to the big leagues from single A. Gary is a great guy and will do fine as John's new wingman. Pat Womack and Ted Martinez look to show all those who overlooked them round one. They were ranked 1 and 2, only to slip to the second round. Both are a big reason why their squads are favored to have great seasons.

One thing is for certain in the Masters League – nothing is certain in the Masters League. It is a ten-week race, not a sprint, and unlike the dog races, the rabbit doesn't always finish first.

Good luck to all the players in the As & Bs.

Mike Bates